The Student Handbook

The purpose of St. John’s Lutheran School of White Creek is to provide Christian education so that:

• God’s children will know the love of their heavenly Father as demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son;
• God’s children will accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior;
• God’s children will respond to God’s love with lives of Christian faith, worship, and service;
• God’s children may develop spiritually, academically, physically, and socially in order to use their talents and skills for responsible Christian service;
• God’s children will see that the community of church and school exists to help them grow in faith.

All children starting in grade one must be six years old on or before August 1, 2011. Entering kindergartners must be five on or before August 1, 2011, need to have an orange health card filled out by their physician, and must have received the following shots: 5 DTP, 4 oral polio, 2 measles, 1 rubella, 1 mumps, 3 hepatitis B, and 2 varicella. Sixth graders must have 2 varicella, 1 Tdap, and 1 MCV4 in addition to the course of immunizations already received. Students whose birthdays fall after the stated date will not be considered for acceptance into the kindergarten program unless all testing procedures and interviews required by the county schools are completed and acceptance is authorized according to their criteria. (5-94) A non-refundable pre-enrollment fee of $30 is charged per child to ensure a place is held for the student. (05)

School children whose parents are members of other congregations or are inactive members of St. John’s, White Creek, will be charged $3,400 per child for grades 1-8. Kindergarten tuition is $1,600 per year with the exception of active members of St. John’s/White Creek, whose tuition is $1,400. Tuition for non-members or inactive families must be paid within the following schedule:

¼ before the beginning of the school year;
¼ by November 1st;
¼ by the beginning of the second semester;
and ¼ by April 1.

Failure to pay tuition by due dates results in temporary suspension of student(s) until all due financial obligations are met. Extraordinary individual circumstances may be reviewed by the Board of Education. (5-01) White Creek Lutheran School charges tuition as passed by the Board of Education. Because funds are necessary for the maintenance and overall operation of the school and the school does not function only on a day-to-day basis, it is the policy of White Creek to expect payment in full for any quarter during which a student is in attendance. No refund will be issued for early withdrawal within a quarter. This is true for students whose families are paying the tuition themselves as well as for those whose congregations may be covering the cost of tuition. (11-02) Tuition will be charged until membership is fully established at St. John’s, with the amount pro-rated based on membership date. The exception to the date of official membership status exists when a LCMS family moves into the area from a distance and meets the established attendance requirements until official transfer is completed. (8-02)

Children from families with no church membership or affiliation are considered mission students and no tuition is charged for one year. To obtain mission status, parents and child(ren) must be interviewed and approved by both the Board of Education and Church Council. Because the spiritual welfare of our families is of prime importance, parents of mission students are required to attend St. John’s (White Creek) Lutheran Church along with their student on a regular basis. Reasoning for this requirement is not to demand membership at St. John’s, but rather to ensure our mission families will be receiving the Good News of salvation in more than just an incidental fashion. Attendance at worship at least 50% per quarter at St. John’s is mandatory for the mission student and parents or the mission status will be dropped and tuition will be charged for that period. Any failure to pay tuition may result in discontinuation of services. (6-99; 7-08)

Church attendance is included on the report cards so parents are aware of their worship habits. This also serves as a reference for parents who are members of St. John’s.

Chapel services will be conducted each Wednesday morning at 8:00. Parents and members are invited to worship with us at these services.

Our chapel collections offer our children an opportunity to learn cheerful and unselfish giving for our Lord’s work. These offerings last year totaled over to $1,000.00 and were given to support relief efforts and our Lutheran schools in Joplin and Alabama, Bethania (mission effort in India), and support for an alumnus of White Creek as he trains for church work.

The pastor will have the responsibility of teaching 7th and 8th grade instruction class. In addition to sermon notes and other requirements, a passing grade must be EARNED in religion and memory in order for eighth graders to be confirmed. Visit Rev. Cook's Confirmation Page

Report cards are issued quarterly, approximately every nine weeks, normally on the Wednesday following the end of the marking period. The report shows the child’s progress and general areas where improvement is desirable. Grades are determined by test scores, homework, participation, and cooperation. The first and third report cards are supplemented with opportunities for parent-teacher conferences. Parents are welcomed and urged to make other appointments with the teachers according to need.

The following letter grades are assigned to corresponding percentages on class work and tests:

Graded assignment papers, returned tests, etc. are available to you daily through your child. It is the parent’s responsibility to use these daily updates to stay aware of your child’s progress. Please require your child to show these to you.

0pportunity will be given the child to complete many of his assignments in school. However, a certain amount of homework that contributes to the educational process of the student should be expected by parents and children. Parents should regularly check their child’s work to aid the child and to determine the progress the child is making in school.

The book fee ($225) and service/technology fee ($225) total $450 per pupil. Also required is a N.I.V. Bible (grades 3-8), which may be purchased from the school at present cost. Primary rule paper will be furnished by the school. Please consult your child’s teacher for other required supplies such as paper, pencils, rulers, etc. White Creek Lutheran School charges the book/service/technology fee to pay for student books that have been ordered and received based on pre-enrollment information. Payment is necessary at the start of the school year in order to pay these costs and to budget the remaining funds for technology, supplies, and other equipment for the benefit of White Creek’s students. Since these funds are initially allocated and spent on the basis of students enrolled, it is not possible to issue any refund if a student does not complete the entire school year. (11-02)

*Effective August 1998, book fees for the school year are to be paid in full by registration or at the time of enrollment, should it occur after the beginning of the school year. Failure to do so will result in a late fee of $5.00 per month per child’s book fee. Should book fees not be paid by the end of the school year, the matter will be taken to the Board of Education and possibly the church Voters’ Assembly for further action. (2-96; 4-98)

Official notices to parents concerning school-related matters will be available approximately once per week, usually on Wednesdays. Effective fall 2011, the weekly note will be posted on the school web site at www.whitecreek.org.

Parents who wish to visit and observe in any classroom should make arrangements with the teacher the day before the visit so that testing, etc. is not disturbed. In accord with Matthew 18:15-17, any parent(s) having a complaint with a teacher is expected to route his/her complaint through the following channel:

• a) speak with the teacher;
• b) if the problem is not solved, speak with the principal;
• c) if satisfaction is not yet reached, a parent may request to speak at a school board meeting.

Our pupils are privileged to ride the Bartholomew County busses. It is expected that pupils respect and obey all bus rules.

Every student is responsible for his/her behavior while at school. While no student is perfect, parents and teachers need to emphasize that school is a privilege and with privileges come responsibilities. Respect and courtesy toward adults and peers is expected and is considered one of the highest ideals in becoming a fine Christian man or woman, as expressed in White Creek’s Code of Conduct.

Discipline Policy, 5-8

These guidelines are set forth that those children in the care of the school might see the emphasis the Board of Education, the Faculty, and Staff place on the importance of building Christian character as well as academic abilities. If the parents sit down with their child(ren) and explain each guideline to the child(ren) and then they emphasize to the child that these are the principles all Christians try to live by (themselves included) these guidelines will serve as the rule rather than as a punitive measure. Because of the ages and the different demands on the 1-4 grades the aim will be more that of preparation and growing toward the policy stated below. While still in effect the consequences are modified to suit the ages of the classroom.

In an effort to define disciplinary problems these definitions are set forth. Lying: the act of telling an untruth or withholding truth so that harm is done to another or to the liar, or to gain advantage deceitfully.

• Cheating: the act of using another’s knowledge to gain status or willfully giving knowledge to another with no effort on their part.
• Violence: Willfully hurting another person or living thing.
• Vandalism: Willfully destroying property.
• Vulgar Language: Language not accepted in the normal use of everyday language according to an accepted dictionary, or language used with intent to embarrass.
• Swearing: The use of God’s name in a manner not acceptable to Lutheran Doctrine (beliefs).
• Disrespect: A student not treating others according to (A) and (B) as listed below:
• a) each student treats another as a Christian brother or sister (Love thy neighbor as thyself);
• b) each student treats adults (parents, teachers, pastors, etc.) with the honor accorded them with both age and status (The Fourth Commandment).
• Disruptive Behavior: Behavior which results in the loss of time in the classroom due to a student’s inability to settle down.
• Drugs (including alcohol & tobacco): Any use which is not authorized by a parent and/or supervised by a teacher.
• Sexually explicit behavior: Acts which make a mockery of the gift God gave to marriage.
• Dress: Clothes (or lack of) which the teacher feels is unbecoming a young Christian man or woman. T-shirts or other clothing bearing pictures or words promoting sex, drugs, alcohol, violence, or foul language are not acceptable dress at school or school activities. (6-95)
• In an effort to make clear the consequences of a particular action the following policy has been adopted by the Board of Education:

In class punishment such as sentences, time out (isolation), loss of recess(es), tagging (all-time teacher eye-contact), student-teacher conference, loss of privileges, constructive work assignments, or combinations.

1. Parent, teacher conference
2. Parent, teacher, principal conference (if principal is the teacher, then another teacher)
3. Suspension Principal/Parent Conference
4. Suspension with Board of Education Conference
5. Release
6. Expulsion

Date of Policy Inception June, 1987 (Bringing knives, guns, explosives, or other items that can cause harm fall in the category of violence and vandalism.)

At the beginning of the year a list of rules for safe playground activity will be given to and discussed with each student.

15 Degrees F without wind is the cutoff for outdoor play. If the temperature is below that figure, if it is raining, or if conditions are too wet or muddy, children will not go outside for recess. Therefore, notes for staying in for reasons of cold weather are not needed. When sending a note in regards to recess excuse, please state illness and date of excuse.

The price of the hot lunch will be $2.30 per lunch for grades K-4 and $2.40 for grades 5-8 (adult lunches $2.60). Extra milk will be available to students at recess and lunch (cost to be determined). A pre-pay system for lunches is currently in place. Applications for free & reduced lunches are sent home for every school family at the beginning of the school year. Should family circumstances change, applications are available from the school office at any time during the school year. Strict confidentiality is upheld. (6-08)

Bartholomew County Public Health Department furnishes our school with a visiting nurse and dental hygienist. Our pupils are periodically checked for hearing, vision, blood pressure, scoliosis, and dental health. Vaccination records are monitored and additional or booster shots which are necessary are administered free of charge with parental permission.

White Creek Lutheran School has adopted a nit-free policy for the school. If any nits or lice are found on a student, which may be discovered in examination precipitated by outward symptoms or through general screenings, the parents will be contacted to pick up their child immediately for treatment. The child may not return to school until he/she has been treated and ALL nits have been removed from the hair. (12-95)

School attendance is critical to a student’s ability to derive the full benefits provided in the school. Maximum learning occurs through teacher instruction, class participation, and interaction among students. Therefore, any school absence, excused or unexcused, places the student at a disadvantage. Regular school attendance further prepares students to assume their roles as productive members of the work force and society.

Students are subject to the requirements of state law and school attendance policies. Fulfilling the requirements of the law and policies is the responsibility of the students and their parent(s) / guardian(s).

A student who is absent from school, whether such absence is excused or unexcused, is expected to independently make up any work missed during such absence. Students will not receive academic credit missed during an unexcused absence.

Excused Absences: Students may be absent from school for the following reasons:

1. Illness or injury requiring absence.
2. Death of immediate family member.
3. Death of another person when requested by parent or guardian (subject to approval by the principal).
4. School activities approved by the principal.
5. Confirmed medical/dental appointments.
6. When subpoenaed to appear in court as a witness in a judicial proceeding.
7. Service as a legislative page in the Indiana General Assembly.
8. Worker on election day.

It is believed that ten (10) days of absence during a school year, except in the cases of extended illnesses or unusual circumstances, is excessive.

1. A doctor’s excuse stating that the child is physically unable to attend class may be required by the school, for each absence, after ten (10) days of absences per school year to receive an excused absence. Failure to comply with this regulation upon request may result in the loss of credits and/or failure.
2. A student absent from school is also unable to participate in athletics or social events the same day, except on special excused absences.
3. The school should be called by 8:00 a.m. stating the reason for student absence. If a phone is not available, the parent/guardian is to send a note explaining the reason for absence upon the child’s return to school.
4. In the event of excessive absences the parents will be sent written notice.
5. Every effort should be made to see that doctor and dental appointments are made on non-school time. (Orthodontic appointments are an exception.)
6. If due to inclement road conditions, a school bus cannot make its regular stop to pick up a student, that student will be counted present at school. The student will be responsible for making up missed work.
7. If during inclement weather, a school bus runs and does make its regular stop, but a student’s parent deems it necessary to keep the student home, the absence will be counted and work must be made up.

When a student accumulates fifteen (15) days of absences for the school year, the parents may be cited to the courts for educational neglect. (6-99)

For the school day to begin in an organized fashion where students are ready to learn, students should arrive at school no later than 7:45 a.m. After this point the child is considered tardy* and the listed steps are to be followed:

• Parent must accompany the child into the school building and take her/her child(ren) to each class;
• Parent is then to report to the school office to complete a tardy report listing the reason for the late arrival;
• If five tardies are compiled in a quarter, the parents will be contacted to attend a meeting at school with the teacher and the principal. If the problem continues, a meeting with the Board of Education will be scheduled.

“Please note that an orthodontic or doctor appointment that has been communicated to the school beforehand does not require the above action.

For purposes of awards, each five tardies are counted as an absence when calculating perfect or excellent attendance. (6-06)

As children attending a Christian day school, clothing worn by our students should also be in harmony with Christian teaching. Guidelines for school AND any school functions: Shorts/skirts may be no shorter than four (4) inches above the knee. Shirts must be modest, bearing no lettering or logos that promote drugs, sex, or alcohol. In addition, shirts must have shoulder straps that are a minimum of two (2) inches in width. Halter tops, those with high-cut or low-cut armholes, or low-cut necklines that expose cleavage are not permitted. All shirts must be long enough to cover the midriff area when sitting or reaching. Shoes with high heels, except in the case of a special event that requires dressing in a more formal manner, are not to be worn to school. Parents are asked to monitor that footwear is such that children can run and be active on the playground without risk of injury.

Students found in violation of this policy will be given appropriate clothing to wear for the day. The option will be given to contact parents to bring a change of clothing which meets the stated guidelines. (6-06)

The time before and after school is needed by the teachers for planning and preparation. Students not riding the bus should arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. and should leave no more than 15 minutes after school is dismissed unless prior arrangements have been made. Special circumstances should be discussed with the child’s teacher.

The Bartholomew County Library’s bookmobile makes its books available to the students of White Creek during the school year. Residents of the area are also welcomed to check out books during the bookmobile’s visits.c

In accordance with policy adopted by the Board of Education, the student participating in extra-curricular sports is required to maintain an overall grade average of at least a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Falling below this level or receiving an “F” grade on his/her report card or midterm report will result in the student’s two week suspension during which time extra attention may be given to the failing subject(s). Grades will be reviewed at the end of that period. (10-28-01)

A Christian attitude is expected on and off the ball court. Specific consequences are listed in the guidelines for athletes, which are given to all participating students at the beginning of the sports season. The form must be agreed to and signed by both parents and athletes for the student to participate in the school’s sports program. Athletes are expected to attend all practice sessions, meetings, public appearances, etc., except in the case of illness. They shall advise the coach before a planned absence or as soon as possible in the case of an unplanned one. (6-95)

Students must submit a signed medical release from a physician/other medical personnel before participating in any extracurricular sports at White Creek. (4-99)

The following interscholastic sports are offered to our students:

The uniform fee for the year will be $10 for the first sport and $2 for each additional sport. All funds will be put into a separate uniform account that will be used ONLY for future uniform purchases. (10-93)

• Note that these fees do NOT cover destruction or loss.

Toys, baseball and trading cards, electronic equipment (including IPODs and cell phones), and remote control items are not allowed at school. Specific exemptions as specified by the teacher may be necessary for school projects. (7-08)

The primary goal of the WCA is the support and promotion of our school program. Membership consists of all school parents. Regularly scheduled meetings are held four times per year.

The Children’s Fund has been established to provide services for the children of White Creek School. Its money will be used to finance class tours, field trips, and special student programs. All the money will be used only for student activities as approved by the faculty and the Board of Education.

Each class will have an opportunity to take a school day for some educational trip or activity. Other field trips applicable to the curriculum may be taken as desired by the teachers. Children’s Fund money will be used for transportation, entrance fees for trips, and accompanying expenses. Individuals serving as chaperones for school field trips should not bring younger siblings unless an invitation has specifically been issued at the announcement of the trip. (5-98) Parents or family members wishing to chaperone school trips must have a volunteer application form and completed criminal history background check on file in the school office. (5-07)

In order for a student to participate in school-scheduled field trips, all due work must be completed. If other classes/teachers are present in the building on the day in question, the child will be given the opportunity to make up that work in school during normal school hours. If no other teachers are present in the building on the field trip day, the parents will be contacted to keep the child home to complete missing work. (5-01)

White Creek is happy to recognize its students on their birthdays, but to ensure that necessary instructional time is not lost, birthday celebrations will be held during recess. If parents wish to send treats for the class, they are asked to plan for something that can easily be served and eaten within that time frame. (6-07)

White Creek Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Since White Creek uses county bus service, school closings and/or delays will be the same as those announced by the Bartholomew County Schools. Please listen to WWWY, WKKG, or WCSI for such announcements. Television channels 6 and 8 also broadcast delay and closing information for White Creek. Missed days may be required to be made up on specified days during the school year.